For the past 35 years, the National Sleep Foundation has worked to change the way Americans think about sleep. At the center of that mission is CEO John Lopos, who shares that the organization was founded by people who were very active in the sleep field and committed to elevating sleep as a pillar of health.
While some organizations focus on sleep disorders and sleep medicine or research, the National Sleep Foundation focuses on the public at large. “We don’t have a membership. Our constituency is the public, so our mission is really one of helping the public understand the importance of sleep for their health and their well-being,” explains Lopos.
A major driver of that awareness has been Sleep Awareness Week, launched nearly 30 years ago to coincide with spring’s time change, when many are experiencing sleep disruption. This campaign is designed to highlight the importance of sleep.
Beyond awareness campaigns, the National Sleep Foundation has shaped national conversations by publishing evidence-based guidelines, consistently creating content, and partnering with groups, such as the Consumer Technology Association, to further educate people of all ages. When sharing these messages, the Foundation has a way of making research and guidelines easier to understand. He adds, “We work as communicators to try and simplify the message.”
Right now, the Foundation is focusing on sleep technology. “If you use them appropriately and responsibly, they can help with your sleep, and that’s everything that can measure or track your sleep. These are technologies that people can wear or have around their home. That’s one area that is really starting to blossom,” he says.
Lopos acknowledges that many products are being developed right now, tech-related or not. “If you’re watching television on any given day, you can probably pick out three or four different things that are advertising how they can help people with their sleep. The most important thing there is, consumers sometimes need help sorting through the products and understanding what they’re saying about the product,” he says.
Lopos recommends that before purchasing a product, consumers should check to see whether there is evidence to back what they’re saying.
One of the most compelling parts of this work is the growing recognition that sleep affects everything from cognitive function to emotional wellness and performance. The Foundation especially emphasizes sleep within families. “One person sleeping poorly in the household really affects the other sleepers,” Lopos says. “That’s something we’ve been focusing on: the appreciation of how important sleep is within the household and the family to help build the best sleep for families.”
Lopos’ takeaway for families is simple: “Practicing healthy sleep behaviors is something that anyone and everyone can do, and they are fundamental to people’s health, performance, happiness, and ability to thrive. A family that prioritizes healthy sleep is going to not just sleep better, but they’re going to have a much more fulfilling life.”
To learn more, visit thensf.org.
